INVESTIGATIONS into the exact cause of the fire which gutted School View in Bursar Street, Cleethorpes, have yet to be formally concluded.

But the owner, Keith Newsum, said firefighters have told him a carelessly discarded cigarette was to blame.

Today, he is urging other landlords to ensure tenants know the risks surrounding smoking to prevent the risk of tragedy and a repeat of the devastation to his property.

Information on Humberside Fire And Rescue Service's website states that more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires caused by anything else.

It states: "Tobacco is manufactured to stay alight, meaning it can remain smouldering and start a fire.

"Cigarettes burn at 700ºC and contain chemicals which keep them alight."

It also offers advice for smokers on staying safe, including:

Never smoke in bed for fear of setting fire to bed clothes or bedding.

Do not smoke while drowsy, especially if you have been drinking.

Lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes should never be left to balance on an ash tray in case they land on the carpet or other flammable material.

Lighters, matches and smoking materials should be kept out of the reach of children.

The fire service's group manager, Steve Topham, said three pumps from Peaks Lane and one from Immingham East attended the fire at School View.

The alarm was raised at 12.07am and the first crew arrived in four minutes.

He told the Grimsby Telegraph the fire had started on the ground floor and spread to the first landing, before engulfing the rest of the property.

Group manager Topham said the quick actions and skill of the fire fighters had brought the blaze quickly under control, confirming no injuries were reported, but that eight people had been evacuated from the premises.

He said five adjoining homes were also evacuated, as firefighters vented and checked their homes as smoke spread in the roof void.

Humberside Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.

Anyone wishing for help in quitting smoking can call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0800 1690169 or visit the Go Smoke Free website.

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SOME of the North East Lincolnshire libraries facing closure could be about to begin a new chapter.

As reported, under a scheme approved by North East Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet committee, just four core centres – Grimsby Central Library, Cleethorpes seafront, Immingham and Waltham – will be retained, with extended opening hours.

However, from October the council will no longer operate centres in Grant Thorold, Willows, Nunsthorpe, Humberston and Laceby, in the hope of saving £500,000.

The move follows a month-long public consultation, launched in December last year.

But now, a social enterprise has submitted plans to take over the running of Humberston library and the award-winning Grant Thorold library.

The man behind the venture, who does not wish to be named, said he hopes he can also give new life to Scartho library.

As reported, the St Giles Avenue centre had also been earmarked for closure in October but has been granted a stay of execution until "at least January" after Grimsby Institute pledged to continue running it along with other services.

The businessman stressed the new ventures will be run on a not-for-profit basis and will keep the community facilities as focal points for their respective neighbourhoods.

The business plan submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council also contains a proposal for the maintenance of Grant Thorold park to be taken over by the new social enterprise.

It is also proposed that each of the libraries could have tea rooms or snack bars for visitors to enjoy.

And, talks have taken place with Havelock Academy to strengthen links with Grant Thorold library and use it as a training facility.

However, as yet, the prospects of The Willows and Laceby libraries are unknown.

The man submitting the proposal for Humberston and Grant Thorold said: "We are hoping we can move the transfer forward as quickly as possible. We are hoping for a decision next month and subject to approval could have them running by mid-October. It will be brilliant if it all comes off."

"It looks as if Scartho will close, but we aim to be in a position to reopen it soon afterwards, once Humberston and Grant Thorold libraries are established."

He said: "These will be not-for-profit and run as social enterprises. We are not doing it to make money. We aim to retain as many of these services as possible and will have to make them sustainable."

He added: "In the business plan we have put in a view to look after other facilities such as the park at Grant Thorold.

The Telegraph also understands talks are underway to move Nunsthorpe library into the new Centre4 in the old St Mary's School in Wootton Road.

Councillor Alex Baxter, Conservative ward councillor for Scartho, said a number of groups had expressed an interest in taking over the library in his ward.

He said they were still a "work in progress" but said he hoped a formal submission could be made to North East Lincolnshire Council within the next few weeks.

He said: "We have interested parties and I am encouraged by what I have seen so far but we need to make sure we have a proposal that can be sustained."

Councillor Mick Burnett, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "Proposals for the libraries are still being considered and we are looking to make an announcement mid-September."

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MORE than £400 has already been donated to our ice bucket challenge fund – meaning the Grimsby Telegraph's editor and deputy editor can almost feel that cold water coming.

Although raising the profile of motor neurone disease internationally, the pair have volunteered to take the challenge to also help our charity of the year, St Andrew's Hospice – but only if readers donate £500.

We already received a £100 donation from Freeman Street newsagent Steve Harrison – and a further £50 donation came in yesterday thanks to Grimsby Cars, based in Railway Street, as well as many equally vital smaller donations.

The current viral phenomenon that has taken the online world by storm is raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease, or ALS as it is known globally.

It sees people post videos of themselves – being drenched with ice cold water – onto social media sites.

They then nominate their family, friends, co-workers, bosses, and even celebrities to take on the challenge after taking it on themselves.

If you want to see the Telegraph twosome taking on the challenge, make sure you get your donations in to us as soon as possible.

You can drop them in to the Telegraph office in Cleethorpe Road, or make cheques payable to St Andrew's Hospice.

We will keep you updated on the fundraising total.

Don't worry. Should we reach the £500 target, our photographers will be on hand to capture the moment on video.

ON THE WEB: Watch videos of local ice bucket challenges at www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk

NEVER mind a bucket, these employees braved having three tonnes of freezing water poured all over them by their boss.

Directors at Louth-based GBM UK nominated six of their staff to stand under a mechanical loading shovel that pounded them with icy water.

In exchange, the firm agreed to donate £150 to fund research into motor neurone disease.

Director Simon Grantham said: "I was nominated for the challenge by a friend and thought it would be a good idea to pass it on to some of our employees.

"Using the loading shovel was too good an opportunity to resist.

"You need a shower in this job so at least they'll all be clean!"

Getting drenched by the water was site manager Jon Davey, 34, from South Cockerington. He said: "When the boss suggested we do this we couldn't say no.

"It's only a bit of water and I think it's a great way to raise money and awareness for an important cause."

He was joined under the deluge of water by yard operatives Ashley Dean, 29, from Louth, Grant Davidson, 26, from Louth, Robert Serwinski, 29, from Fotherby, Andy Dobson, 47, from Cleethorpes, and Nick Smith, 28, from Louth.

The firm, which is based in Warwick Road on Louth's Fairfield Industrial Estate, regularly supports charities, donating £5 from every skip hired via its Pink Skip Company to the Pink Rose Appeal at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, as well as helping fund a set of carbon fibre legs for meningitis victim Harvey Phillips.

STAFF at Grimsby's town centre Subway restaurant got in on the act.

Workers at the fast food chain, in Victoria Street West, wanted to follow in the footsteps of high-profile stars like David Beckham and Oprah in doing the freezing cold challenge that has become rampant on social media channels.

But the staff are no strangers to getting together and undertaking challenges in the name of charity.

Earlier this year they raised more than £1,000 for Sport Relief, together with the store in Louth.

Kirran Nijjar owns both the Grimsby and Louth chain, together with husband Aman.

She said: "As a store we are always up for doing events for charity, all the staff are keen to get involved in raising money for good causes."

The Nijjars sat out the staff challenge after being covered in ice by their three young daughters already.

The Subway store were nominated by in-house shift manager Leanne Fothergill. The 22-year-old said: "My family had all done it recently at a big get together and we even got my dad involved who lives out in the Middle East.

"In the store, the staff are always up for doing fundraisers and pretty much everyone wanted to be involved in this.

"Having done it myself I know how awful it can feel but the whole point is to raise awareness for a very worthy cause."

Assistant manager Claire Pickett, 33, nominated their friends to the Louth Subway to follow suit.

After drying off, she said: "We have a healthy sense of competition with Louth so it will be interesting to see how they get on.

"All of us are donating an hours' worth of wages and it's great that so many of us got involved."

Harry Croucher, 19, of New Waltham, said: "It was really cold but it was for a good cause."

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"IT'S just a change of numbers" was the conclusion of passengers who learnt about the makeover of Grimsby's bus network.

The Stagecoach network will now switch to a 1 to 10 numbering system from Monday, September 1.

According to the firm, the new system is being introduced to make it easier to understand the range of connected bus services across Grimsby.

But it has caused concern among some of its users, who say it could lead to confusion, as it's not long since the bus numbers were last changed.

The latest key changes are:

3 and 4 are the new numbers for Services 13/14 Morrisons, Grimsby, Cleethorpes circular services.

5 is the new number for the Immingham to Grimsby service (from 45/46)

6 is the new number for Wybers Wood, Willows to Grimsby Town Centre (including Asda), replacing 16.

10 is the revised number replacing 9A, from Waltham to North Sea Lane via Grimsby Town Centre.

Services 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 remain unchanged, giving Grimsby the straight-forward 1 to 10 network.

Commercial manager (South) Andy Smith said members of the public have reacted well to the changes.

"It's going down well", he said. "Users are actually finding that plenty of the services will be a lot easier to use and access than they were before.

"We've found that moving to single numbers suits a lot of people and a lot of the numbers are actually going back to what they used to be anyway. There's no real confusion and the routes aren't changing, so it's all very simple. Plus they seem satisfied that we have told them about the changes well in advance.

"There are no major changes to the schedule either, so customers can be assured they won't lose out."

At an information day on Tuesday, passengers had the chance to learn more about the new approach, which was held at Grimsby's Riverhead Exchange.

Stagecoach staff were on hand to talk to bus users about the changes, as well as handing out leaflets.

Lillian Clark, from Cleethorpes, is a regular user of the bus services.

She said: "I think the changes are fine and I will get used to them in time.

"The only issue I can see is for tourists. It might cause some confusion to them as they'll be used to the old numbers."

Anne-Marie Sleeth, 22, added: "As long as they don't change the route I'm not bothered – it's nothing major."

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PAUL Hurst might allow himself a sneaky glance at the Conference table after the Aldershot game – but insists there's "a hell of a long way to go yet."

With comprehensive victories over Gateshead and Alfreton, confidence – and Town's league position – is on the rise.

Town currently sit eighth, unbeaten in their opening five games and are the league's joint top-scorers, with Barnet, on 14 goals.

Like many managers, Hurst hasn't paid too much attention to the table up to this point, but admitted he may see how things are shaping up after Saturday's trip to the Shots.

However, he believes that it won't be until after the game with current leaders Halifax – Town's tenth of the season – that anyone will be able to get an idea of how the season may pan out.

He said: "League tables don't count for too much at this point in the season. After the sixth game at Aldershot, we might have a little sneaky look, but certainly it's not until after ten that you get a bit of an idea – even after then there will still be a hell of a long way to go.

"We're unbeaten in five games now and have scored 13 goals in our last two games, so I'm pleased with how it's gone.

"Obviously we would have liked to have picked up a few more points in the first three games.

"But in those draws against Nuneaton and Dover, we were certainly the better side – we just couldn't get the result we wanted.

"On Monday, we scored seven goals and kept a clean sheet, which I love to do.

"We certainly look very solid defensively at the moment and the goals are coming now, which I'm pleased to see."

He added: "Although I am very pleased with how things have gone for us in the last two games, I'm not getting excited yet.

"If we keep doing what we did over the weekend then, I probably will start getting excited!

"But there has to be a bit of reality in it all – it's two games and we've put in two excellent performances to get two good wins.

"We've got to stay professional, keep our feet on the ground and not get carried away, which I know our lads won't – we've got a good group of lads here."

GRIMSBY Town's defence is not only the best in the Conference – it would also 'cut it' in League Two.

That's according to assistant manager and centre-half Chris Doig after the Mariners conceded just two goals in their opening five games of the new campaign.

The last week may have seen Town's attackers steal the limelight with 13 goals in two matches over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But in addition to having the equal-best attack in the division, nobody has conceded fewer goals than Doig and co.

The former Nottingham Forest man believes the likes of Toto Nsiala, Shaun Pearson, Andrew Boyce and Carl Magnay are as good as it gets in non-league football.

"I look at all the other teams in our league, and I don't think there is a stronger defence in the Conference," Doig told the Telegraph.

"We've got Toto, Shaun, Boycey, Mags – and that's just the central positions. On top of that, we've got Aswad Thomas when he's fit, Paul Bignot and myself if required.

"That's an exceptionally strong defence and we've proved it so far this season.

"We've used different formations – with a back three against Dover for instance – but the lads were still very comfortable and looked very strong.

"I don't think we've looked like conceding in most of the games this season.

"And it wouldn't faze me being a manager and going into League Two with them as my defenders, not at all."

Doig played in the opening game's 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers before making way as Nsiala and then Pearson returned from suspensions.

He added: "They've probably looked a bit better when I've been out of the team!

"But I'm available, I'm training and fit, and there if needs be.

"I've played a game already this season, and I enjoyed it – it was a good game to be involved in – but the boys are doing fantastically well and long may that continue.

"It would probably cause a bit of panic if I am needed!

"But the lads I've got ahead of me are as good as you'll find in this league so I'm not expecting the call too soon.

"We've got options there, with Carl and Toto's flexibility, so that's a real bonus as well."

Doig has also been impressed by Town's young guns – Caine Winfarrah, Paul Walker and Ellis Humble – who graduated from last season's Youth team and can all play in defensive positions.

However, he has asked fans not to expect too much too soon from the talented homegrown trio.

"The young boys are doing really well in training but this is all new to them and they're learning every day," he commented.

"They're working with men day-in, day-out now and they seem to be really enjoying it.

"You've got to give them time to adapt physically and mentally – it's a big step up going from a Youth team to a first team, especially at Conference level because of the physicality of the division.

"That's something they've got to adapt to and improve on over time, and we've got to give them that time.

"They're doing really well. Now they've just got to take their chance when it comes along."

HUNDREDS of mourners paid their last respects to tragic Immingham teenager William Smith by wearing football shirts at his funeral.

Most of the 500 mourners wore shirts as a mark of respect to the keen Liverpool football fan, whose funeral service was held at Immingham's Trinity Methodist Church.

With a capacity number of mourners, many of the 14-year-old's classmates at Oasis Academy Immingham sat cross-legged in the church, while the neighbouring church hall was also packed to capacity.

Others stood outside, hugging one another in grief at the loss of an "amazing and brilliant" young man.

As reported, he died two weeks ago, just five months after his mother Alison Overton lost her long battle with leukaemia.

His coffin – coloured red to mark his devotion to Liverpool FC – was carried in to the church, followed by his dad Dean and brother Samuel, 13, who both wore Liverpool strips, despite his dad being a devoted Wolves fan.

A tribute, read by the Reverend Katie Deakins on behalf of William's dad, said: "You were an amazing boy who would have grown up to be an incredible young man.

"I know this because you were so much like your lovely mum and as you know she was the most amazing and courageous person I have ever known.

"I know you are not on your own but with your mum, who will take care of you now and I know we have two angels up there watching over us.

"I will love and miss you forever my wonderful son but you will be in my heart and my thoughts forever.

"There is one thing I can say that no other man on this earth can: 'William Thomas Smith was my son' and nobody can ever take that away from me.

"I cannot believe how lucky and how blessed I am to have had you in my life even if it was only a short while. I really had been given a miracle – my miracle son."

His aunt Kellie also paid tribute in words spoken by Mrs Deakins. She told of her heartbreak at losing her nephew.

She said: "I have to believe that some day, I do not know where and when, but I will hold you in my arms again and hear your voice.

"For now I have to keep reminding myself of the good times we shared and this gets me through the days."

She recalled the sleepovers at her home enjoyed by William and his brother Samuel.

She added: "I have to believe you are with your mum, who never wanted to leave you. She needs you with her and I am sure you are now clutched in her arms and both smiling."

The songs played at the funeral service included Rihanna's Diamonds and Barry Polisar's Me And You.

William was carried out to the Liverpool FC anthem You Will Never Walk Alone, by Gerry And The Pacemakers.

Floral tributes in the shape of two footballs and one in the shape of a pizza were carried in the hearse to Grimsby Crematorium.

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ALAN Connell insists he will always wish Grimsby Town well despite his shock Blundell Park exit.

The frontman yesterday left by mutual consent – as revealed at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport – less than three weeks after returning to the club.

The 31-year-old scored 29 times in his sensational previous campaign with Town. However, his return after a three-year gap hasn't proved to be as successful.

Following his surprise return, on a short-term deal, the day before the Mariners' curtain-raiser at Bristol Rovers, Connell featured in three successive draws.

After not hitting the mark in any of those encounters, the former Bradford City and Swindon Town man was confined to the bench for the Bank Holiday weekend double-header.

That decision by manager Paul Hurst – coupled with Town's 13 goals against Gateshead and Alfreton – appear to have signalled Connell's departure.

Despite that, the forward insisted he will always have fond memories of his time at Blundell Park, and wished the Mariners well in their pursuit of promotion.

"I would have liked to stayed at Grimsby Town longer but it wasn't to be," he told the Telegraph.

"I wish the club and its supporters well for the future, as I always have.

"I'll keep myself fit and see what the future brings, but I don't know what's next for me yet."

Tickets for Grimsby Town's derby clash at Lincoln City are on general sale.

The Mariners have been issued with a maximum of 1,795 allocated seats for the clash at Sincil Bank on Tuesday, September 9.

Town fans will be housed in the Stacey West Stand for a strictly all-ticket match.

Prices: £16 adults, £12 concessions (60+/disabled), £6 juniors, under-18s and students under 22.

All forms of ID must be available and shown, if required, on purchase of tickets from the Blundell Park ticket office. Photo NUS cards will be required for student tickets.

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Marc Jones, Chairman of Lincoln Conservative Association and Lincolnshire County Councillor, has been chosen as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for next year's general election in the Great Grimsby seat.

The seat, held by long serving MP Austin Mitchell, is now a marginal one and a clear target for the Tories. Labour won the 2010 election with a majority of just 714 with Mitchell just pipping then Tory candidate Victoria Ayling.

Mr Jones was elected as a county councillor in 2013 and previously had a spell on City of Lincoln Council.

A family man, Mr Jones is also a governor at two local schools, including one for children with behavioural challenges.

Great Grimsby has been Labour since 1945, though only narrowly held in the 1977 by-election that followed Tony Crosland`s death.

TV presenter Caroline Flack has been confirmed as the 12th celebrity taking part in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Caroline confirmed the news live on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show this morning when she popped in for a chat with fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant Scott Mills.

Caroline is one of the UK's best known TV presenters and over the years has hosted a variety of programmes including 'I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of Here Now!', 'The Xtra Factor' and 'Gladiators'.

Caroline said: "Ever since I was a presenter on CBBC and used to see the Strictly judges walking around Television Centre I have wanted to be on the show. I am so excited to get started and I just want to get through the first dance with no mistakes….plus I really want to master my 'dance face'!"

Caroline joins Frankie Bridge, Judy Murray, Alison Hammond, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe, Mark Wright, Sunetra Sarker, Jake Wood, Steve Backshall, Scott Mills and Pixie Lott in this year's battle for the ballroom.

The final three celebrity contestants will be confirmed live on The One Show tomorrow.

CENTRE-HALF Andrew Boyce will remain at Grimsby Town for at least another month after extending his loan deal today. The Scunthorpe United defender re-joined the Mariners before the start of the season on an initial one-month agreement. With that period set to end after Saturday's clash at Aldershot, Town have moved quickly to extend the 24-year-old's stay at Blundell Park for another month. For more on the story and reaction, see tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

GRIMSBY Town striker Ross Hannah is back in contention for Saturday's Conference Premier match away at Aldershot.

The Mariners have been in sparkling goalscoring form of late - and now boss Paul Hurst has even more options up front thanks to Hannah's return from a calf injury.

Hurst said: "Ross Hannah is back, but we still have Nathan Arnold missing and  Aswad Thomas. Other than that, it's a fully-fit squad to go down to Aldershot.

"Nathan has certainly improved and we were hopeful of him being involved tomorrow, but it wasn't to be.

"Unless there is another set-back, realistically, the Welling game should be nailed on for him."